Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Seizures can occur as a single isolated occurrence, as closely repeated seizures, or at various intervals. Seizures that recur create a condition known as epilepsy.

Seizures that occur singly or in closely associated groups are commonly caused by a condition such as brain injury. They may occur as an isolated incident or may develop into a chronic seizure disorder. Seizures within the first 2 weeks of a brain injury do not necessarily mean that a chronic seizure disorder will develop.

A seizure-free period may indicate that reduction or elimination of medications may be possible. Medications should be changed only under the supervision of the health care provider.

Death or permanent brain damage from seizures is rare. A serious injury can occur if a seizure occurs while driving or operating dangerous equipment; these activities are often restricted for people with poorly controlled seizure disorders.

Infrequent seizures may not severely restrict the patient's lifestyle. Work, school, and recreation do not necessarily need to be restricted.

Complications

• Recurrent seizures (seizure disorder)
• Prolonged or closely occurring seizures without returning to normal behavior(status epilepticus)
• Injury from falls, bumps, and biting oneself
• Injury to oneself or others if seizure occurs during driving or operating machinery
• Inhaling fluid into the lungs, pneumonia
• Permanent brain damage (stroke or other damage)
• Side effects of medications (with or without observable symptoms)
• Learning disorders (either from seizures or medications)

Women planning to get pregnant need to tell their doctor in advance in order to adjust their medications, since many anti-epileptic medications cause birth defects.

Calling your health care provider

Call your local emergency number (911) if this the first time a person has had a seizure or a seizure is occurring in someone without a medical ID bracelet (instructions explaining what to do). In the case of someone who has had seizures before, call the ambulance for any of these emergency situations:

• This is a longer seizure than the person normally has, or an unusual number of seizures for the person
• Repeated seizures over a few minutes
• Repeated seizures where consciousness or normal behavior is not regained between them (status epilepticus)

Call your health care provider if any new symptoms occur, including possible side effects of medications (drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, sedation, or others), nausea/vomiting, rash, loss of hair, tremors or abnormal movements, or problems with coordination.

Prevention

Generally, there is no known prevention for seizures. However, you can decrease the likelihood of triggering a seizure by taking medicines as directed, getting enough sleep, eating a proper diet, and abstaining from alcohol and drugs.

Reduce the chance of head injuries by wearing head protection and avoiding risky behavior.

References

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.